Help me find a smart backpack!

[Feelingchipper]

As a mum with 2 children, these days I just tend to go for a backpack rather than a smart handbag plus baby bag or whatever. I've been using my small size camping rucksack forever and would like a style upgrade!

Can anyone suggest a smart but spacious backpack with a decent number of compartments/sections? And for under £100 or thereabouts ideally? I've had a look at the Cambridge Satchel sale but their backpacks don't look particularly roomy and I won't be able to organise all my bits and bobs in one of those. The larger size ones are a bit more than I want to spend really too, but I could push the boat out for something perfect that I'll get loads of use out of.

I frequently use my current backpack for weekend trips with the kids (packed to bursting and with the older child also carrying a small backpack). Therefore I'd really love something properly spacious so I can us the one bag for all my day to day needs and short trips!

[Feelingchipper]

It's a bit easier to see what it's like in the green colourway. Maybe not high fashion but I feel like it's decently smart bag given its large volume capacity and ergonomic design

[Feelingchipper]

After initially feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the maby recommendations, finally, two months later and after a Lot of online searching, reading reviews and a delicious trip into Selfridges I finally decided upon the Fjallraven Raven 28 litres in navy. It's not arrived yet but I'm excited! Hopefully this will be The One.

[CallarMorvern]

Having said that, this North Face is stylish and doesn't look outdoorsy.
www.thenorthface.co.uk/shop/en-gb/tnf-gb/equipment-bags-backpacks/women%26-39%3Bs-isabella-backpack-2RD8?variationId=LJK

[CallarMorvern]

I have a Kanken and and don't understand the love for them. It's blue, looks very scruffy, has white marks where the fabric has creased and has awful webbing straps. Fjallräven do make other far nicer rucksacks.
I really like the Toms ones and I have a few Crumpler bits and pieces ( via TKMaxx) which are very well made.
My rucksacks are North Face and bomb proof, but not the look you are aiming for, I guess 😁

[Mbear]

I have a rapha one (the bigger one) got it in their sale - brilliant bag and really comfy.

[PurpleCrazyHorse]

We have an Osprey back pack that I dangle on the back of the buggy or one of us wears on day trips. Ours is the Quasar 28 model and we love it, plus we bought it in the Blacks sale so only cost about £40!

Quasar 28

No idea what the difference is between the men's and women's, and not sure which ours is (it's black with a lime green lining!).

The plus features are chest and waist straps (the chest straps are height adjustable too). Two good size pockets with lots of useful sized internal pockets. It also has side straps to pull it in when empty so it's nice and slim. Very comfy to wear but also smart and well made. The waist straps can be tucked away into the side drinks pockets if not needed too. They have lots of other models though depending on the look and size you want.

[bingohandjob]

The padded straps on the Kanken are really comfy and don't bugger up your top like the webbing ones might.

[PickAChew]

And I never buy a coat without decent pockets :o

[PickAChew]

And I do still carry a cross body handbag for purse, phone, charger etc as I'm paranoid about people fiddle with stuff in crowds, plus can't be doing with taking my bag on and off all the time to get to things as I have problems with my shoulders and neck (which is why I have a sturdy backpack, in the first place!)

[PickAChew]

I got DS1 a Jack wolfskin backpack for Christmas - loads of compartments (I hid all his other presents in them and he didn't even find one of them until I mentioned it) and he finds it comfortable to wear and it's very lightweight.

I have this berghaus, which is very smart. It's quite heavy with all the padding and support and the fairly substantial fabric, though.
www.amazon.co.uk/d/Sports-Outdoors/Berghaus-421729Y42-Trailbyte-Rucksack-Blue-30-L/B00ZGFH0HK/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1482961819&sr=8-10&keywords=berghaus%20backpack&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

The Kanken backpacks are sweet, but the straps look horribly thin to be carrying any amount of weight in them.

[GloriousRoob]

I sawxsome lovely rucksacks in accessorize earlier

[MaxineQuordlepleen]

Crumpler are great. Really solid and waterproof but great colours.

www.crumpler.com

[Cosmicglitterpug]

I have a Toms rucksack which I really like.

There are two comparments inside, the smaller of which I put my purse and phone in. There's also a side zip up pocket I use for sanitary protection etc. I've had it two years and it has worn well. When you buy it the company donates a birth pack to a third world country.

www.toms.co.uk/women/womens-bags/backpacks

I have the red one.

[StorminaBcup]

Eastpak have some really good designs that are functional. I'm also treating myself to one as I'm sick of lugging around a nappy changing bag that isn't fit for purpose with a toddler and a baby!

[FantasticFestiveBeasts]

I have this

eu.patagonia.com/enGB/product/arbor-backpack-26-liters?p=47956-0

The flap has a zip on the inside for your phone, purse etc so no digging in the bag.

[Feelingchipper]

I don't tend to carry much weight - just bulk from baby clothes and muslins, sometimes a sling and feeding cover and, if I'm travelling clothes for me and baby. I don't need a hardcore camping rucksack but from the selection here I'm hopeful of finding a sturdy spacious yet smart-looking bag for both my coffee and lunch outings and my weekend trips

[specialsubject]

if you are carrying real weight then farty frilly fashion things are a disaster. You need a hip belt to transfer the weight, and design by someone who actually walks rather than lunches. No heavy leather, excess metal tags, silly drawstring tops and so on.

no need to pay big bucks.

[Feelingchipper]

Oh good, there's a big! I was also thinking the regular one was too small for me. My current rucksack is 18 litres and is too small for weekend trips. Thanks for the infographic bingo.

[bingohandjob]

pippin...I've got the kanken big after trying my friend's classic which I quickly found wasn't big enough for lugging winter loads. Suffice to say, she now wants a big! s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/89/be/54/89be54a5bc71e1e16ddea36e3e7b9bc8.jpg

[squiz81]

I keep my phone the pocket at the back which is zipped up and against my back. And my purse in the main compartment .

For me the advantage of a baby change one is the special clips which allow me to hang it on the buggy. If you're past the buggy stage though that obviously won't be a deal breaker!

[pippinchipeater]

I loved my kanken but found it just wasn't big enough to carry all my shit 😂, I now have a 22l sandquvist which sounds massive but is actually still stylish, it's about 140 though I think.

[LadyLothian]

I'm in love with the Kanken in violet/purple! A seat pad did you say...

I'm disabled and need a bag for work that holds a lot but doesn't hurt. That looks perfect for me.

Thanks for starting this thread op.

[pixie32]

Oh my gosh I just realised I took the cushion out and through it away... I thought it was packaging

[bingohandjob]

Just saw previous message...I use the seat pad ALL THE TIME. Just yesterday, walk in the park and all the cafe seats, park benches were frosted over so out came the seat pad to envy of friends. I travelled across Europe this summer and used it pretty much every day at parks, beaches, waiting in airports etc....and saw loads of folk in Scandi countries doing same. You can get mini kanken for little ones, too.- don't normally go for that cutesy kid/adult matching thing but these are so practical and robust I think they're great. They were originally designed as school bags so specifically to help avoid back pain/be comfy to carry. Definitely get padded shoulder straps though!

[bingohandjob]

Have you considered a kanken? I use a big one for walk into/from work and it's great - really simple design, zip opens all the way round so when you lay it on table, opens like suitcase and you can get at everything..I've used it for day trips with packing cubes (ebags on Amazon) if you want more order. I have one with padded straps and honestly, the comfiest backpack I've worn and since using it no shoulder ache. And you can carry by top handles,grab bag style.